ENGLISH
REFERENCE

work against the clock

idiom
Meaning

To aim to finish something before a specific time.


Examples
SIMPLE

The team works against the clock to finish the project today.

CONTEXTUAL

With the deadline only two hours away, the designers are working against the clock to complete the final presentation.

COMPLEX

The medical staff worked against the clock to stabilize the patient before the transport helicopter arrived at the hospital.

Last updated July 14, 2026